The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-11-28
EX-SENATOR JONES' PLIGHT.
Formerly Rich and Generous, He Now
Lacks Even a Home
From the Nelc YORK. World.

Lacks Even a Home.
From the Nelc York World.
DETROIT, Nov. 23--Since the expiration
of his term of office ex-senator Jones, of
Florida, has not been prominently before
the people of the country. Up to that time
he drew unpleasant notoliety upon himself,
but few men could have more quietly or
more stubbornly submitted to the adverse
criticism to which he was subjected He
had suddenly left his place in the Senate,
where he had acquired am enviable reputa-
ton because of his craftsmanship his
ability as a constitutional lawyer and
his honesty. He came to Detroit three
years ago, upon invitation of w. G. Thomp-
son, to make a visit which has grown into
permanent stay. Much was at first made of
him. He was genial sociable, able and
possessed of sufficient means to live ex-
pensively. With those means he was ever
ready to aid the numerous calls of charity,
and he very soon became identified with the
current local movements of men and affairs.
He occupied luxurious apartments at the
Russell House, sought out the kindred spirits
of the city and made desirable acquaint-
noes all over the city.
Among these was Miss Clotilde Palms,
young lady of great wealth, pleasing man.
ners, and the highest position socially Far
from being beauty, she nevertheless was
found by ex-senator Jones to be extremely
attractive, and he at once became her
avowed sutton. He was persistent, but it is
believed that the lady never for a moment
gave him a serious thought, and the long
siege came to an inglOriouS end. 1t is under
stood that he thinks it was through no
fault of his own or prejudice on the part of
Miss Palms that he did not succeed in this,
probably his last love affair. But an ex-
PLANTATION of why he failed, or of why he
70, aif 10 a on
to Florida, or to leave Detroit at all, is
necessarily somewhat vague, because the
reasons at which he hints are uncertain and
apparently based upon foundation of little
fact and much imagination.
He believes himself the victim of con-
spiracy within the Democratic party. This
combination against him involves states
men, politicians and newspapers. 1t fol-
lowed him through a tour of Europe, was
made chiefly manifest at the banquet given
him by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, logged
his official life at Washington, thwarted his
purposes, maligned his character and was
menace to his life. This, in brief, has been
the ex-Senators bette noir He has limited
at assassination if he went home, has seen
malice in items Of the Eastern press that
seemed perfectly innocent to all Others and
has traced the evidences of conspiracy
among Legislative members of their pre-
scribed course of public duty. He has
vowed that he will down all this opposi-
ton, and with this VOW is linked another
that he will remain i'll Detroit until that
purpose is accomplished.
At one time his belief that he was the vic
tim of a conspiracy found vent In some re-
markable letters written to his friends here
They are said to have been violent to an as
tonishing degree Whatever nay have been
their character, it was from them that then
started the first whisperings of lack of faith
in his mental condition On this point it is
impossible to speak accurately as yet. In
conversation on general subjects the ex-
Senator seems not only sane, but to have
unusually good sense and large ftald of ac-
curate information. In recent converse
ton with reporter on the subject of yellow
fever he showed a remarkable memory, as
well as full knowledge and a power of al
most fascinating description. When ex-Sena-
tor Jones came to Detroit he had some
ready money. His integrity had stood firm
against the temptations held out to him as
a Senator of commanding position and in
fiuence or he would have had more. His in
come ceased with his term of office, and the
heavy expenses he had assumed when COM
ing to this city were not curtailed. He had
contributed, as already stated, to public
charities with hberality, and had made
presents to some of his newly acquired
friends IN Detroit. With a room costing
HIM 81 day at the Russell House, one son,
and sometimes two staying here with him
at his expense, a serious inroad was made
upon his limited means.
His bill at the Russell House reached an
amount that called for settlement, and a
temporary compromise was effected by
locking the ex-Senator's room against him.
He quietly accepted the situation, and re-
moved to the Griswold, his son accompany
ing him. The same unpleasantnes5 was in
r.1 l..
of $3.50, and no money forthcoming in pay
ment. Again the door of his room was
locked. This time the Senator's resources
did not serve him so good q purpose He
remained at the Griswold, and, barred from
his room, awaited himself of lounge in the
hallway. Here the night clerks took pity
upon him, and in passing, would throw a
blanket over him and allow him the best
rest obtainable. His son usually spent these
nights, which brought no fixed abiding
place, with some of his young COM
panions at their rooms Finally Detective
O'Neil, friend of the ex-senator, finding
him asleep III the Griswold House Office,
asked him if he had been without sleep the
night before Jones said that he had and
readily accepted an invitation to Mr..
O'Neill's house This was three weeks ago
and the ex-senator and his son are still par
takers of O'Niels hospitality, but have re-
ceived a suggestion that his means will not
permit long continuance of this arrange
ment. The Senator usually takes from
three to four meals day at Roos' restau-
rant, and bill of $3.50 is registered there
against him, which sympathy and reluct-
ance to deny so distinguished patron have
allowed to grow with time and the ex-
Senator's appetite. The Russell House
news stand has little account of $25 with
the ex-senator and other dealers in such
articles as he wants are his creditors.
All this serves to suggest Jones' condition
rather than to reflect upon his honesty. His
actione are not those natural to a man of his
intelligence, native ability ann powers. His
friends realize this, and a son from Wash
ington is now here to see if something can
not be done to induce the father to leave
Detroit and engage actively in the work for
which he is fitted. There is general opin-
son that he is monomaniac on the one
subject of the conspiracy againsl him. No
one is able to talk with or advise him on the
subject of his financial difficulties or of en-
gaging him in the practice of his profession.
He simply walks away, and will have moth
ing to say. He declares that he has saved
the people of the country millions of dollars,
has been liberal since coming to Detroit,
and that the people owe him a living, which
he seems bound to have regardless of the
opinions it may create and the
comment which it excites. He is regular
attendant at mass and a strict observer of
other religious duties, but, aside from that.